By Amos Harris
Deputy Minister for Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information, Daniel O. Sando, has urged Liberians to respect the rule of law amid mounting public outrage over recent property demolitions and evictions, a stance that has sparked renewed debate about the government’s role in protecting vulnerable citizens.
Speaking during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Deputy Minister Sando issued a stern warning against what he characterized as the selective adherence to the law. He emphasized that the stability of the nation depends on the consistent application of judicial decisions, cautioning that political interests or personal grievances must not be allowed to override the authority of the courts. In a pointed metaphor, Sando remarked that the public must be careful not to treat the law as if it were an “outside child,” selectively accepting it only when judgments are favorable and rejecting it when the outcomes are difficult to swallow.
These remarks come at a time of heightened sensitivity, as hundreds of residents displaced by recent evictions continue to challenge the government’s seemingly “hands-off” approach to the enforcement of court rulings. While the Deputy Minister acknowledged the significant hardship and emotional toll faced by these families, he maintained a firm distinction between executive policy and judicial enforcement. He clarified that the demolitions in question were not direct government actions but were instead the execution of long-standing court decisions involving private legal disputes.
However, this explanation has done little to quiet critics and civil society actors. Many argue that the state’s obligation goes beyond mere legal interpretation, suggesting that a constitutional duty exists to ensure that the enforcement of such rulings does not result in systemic homelessness or human rights violations. Questions remain regarding whether the government should have implemented adequate safeguards or resettlement measures before allowing the demolitions to proceed, especially in cases where large numbers of vulnerable citizens are affected.
In an effort to prevent future disputes, Deputy Minister Sando concluded his address by urging Liberians to exercise extreme caution during land transactions. He advised citizens to seek rigorous legal guidance to navigate the complexities of property ownership and to avoid falling victim to fraudulent sales. Despite this advice, the core tension remains unresolved for many: a growing debate over whether the government’s staunch commitment to the rule of law is being adequately balanced by a commitment to social protection and humanitarian accountability. As public discontent persists, the handling of these evictions remains a critical test of the state’s ability to balance legal integrity with its duty to safeguard its people.
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